Respiratory Distress Syndrome at Birth is a Risk Factor for Hospitalization for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Infancy.

MedLine Citation:

PMID:
22986703
Owner:
NLM
Status:
Publisher

Abstract/OtherAbstract:

OBJECTIVE:: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and hospitalization for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI; specifically, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)) are important causes of morbidity in infancy. Whether RDS at birth is an independent risk factor for LRTI is unknown. This study estimated the risk of LRTI-related hospitalization among late preterm infants with a history of RDS. METHODS:: The population-based cohort from Québec included all late preterm babies (32-36 weeks gestational age) born in 1996-1997. RDS was identified by ICD-9 code 769, and a comparison cohort generated from all without RDS. A multivariable model estimated the adjusted odds ratio of LRTI-related hospitalization among late preterm infants with a history of RDS; and the incidence and increased risk of childhood chronic respiratory morbidity was calculated. RESULTS:: Of the 7,488 late preterms, 459 (6.1%) had a history of RDS; 525 late preterms (7.0%) were hospitalized for LRTI in infancy, including 57 (12.4%) with RDS. The adjusted odds of LRTI-related hospitalization associated with RDS was 1.6 (1.2-2.2). Other significant risk factors included male sex, or diagnosis of other respiratory conditions, diaphragm anomalies, bacteremia, intraventricular hemorrhage, congenital heart disease or respiratory system anomalies. Late preterm infants with a history of RDS were also at a significantly increased risk of childhood chronic respiratory morbidity. CONCLUSION:: Late preterms with a history of RDS are at a 60% increased risk of LRTI-related hospitalization in infancy, compared to late preterm infants without RDS. Such infants may benefit from interventions decreasing the risk of contracting respiratory viruses causing acute LRTI.